What's on this week: 24 June
Arts triennials, acclaimed American novelists and Brazilian musicians: our pick of events in Flanders and Brussels this week
Concert: Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil
Their early collaborations inspired the avant-garde Tropicália movement, which soon became a psychedelic stick in the eye of the country’s military dictatorship. By the end of the decade, their activities had landed the duo in political prison, then exile in London. Although they are now recognised as national heroes, their work has lost none of its progressive edge.
29 June, 20.00 at Vorst Nationaal, Brussels
Visual arts: Beaufort
The fifth edition of the summertime arts triennial Beaufort unites 10 coastal municipalities and 30 artists for three (hopefully) sunny months of exhibitions and events in public space. This edition’s marquee attraction – its unifying thread – is an ambitious installation stretching the length of the Flemish coast. Created by 91-year-old French-Hungarian architect Yona Friedman and his international collective A Dog Republic, Musée Promenade is comprised of 67 kilometres of site-specific drawings, sculptures, films and mobile architecture. It’s an interactive, multimedia stroll.
Until 21 September along the Flemish coast
Get tickets now: Jonathan Franzen
VUB’s student cultural centre KultuurKaffee closed its doors last month for an anticipated two-year renovation. In the meantime, the organisation continues to programme cultural events by remote. Its autumn residency at Bozar promises to be a big deal to guess by its headliner, acclaimed American novelist Jonathan Franzen (The Corrections, Freedom). Franzen’s appearance is set to follow the release (in English and Dutch) of his long-awaited fifth novel Purity. He will talk shop with Flemish author Saskia De Coster before signing copies of the new book.
18 October, 20.00 at Bozar, Brussels
Event: Stadshal wordt Geefplein!
Summertime is home improvement season, and Ghent’s DIY community is keen to help you kick-start your projects. This is much more than just a swap meet. Yes, folks are here to trade – or just plain give away – their cast-off hardware, furniture and other tools. But they’re also sharing skills and knowledge. Bicycle techs, tailors and other household miracle workers are on hand to refresh your well-used and well-loved items. And all this in a convivial atmosphere with drinks, snacks, music and games for the kids.
27 June, 11.00 at Stadshal, Ghent
More events that deserve your attention
Ben Miller Band: The bluegrass trio from Missouri perform a mix of bluegrass, delta blues and “the haunted spirit of Appalachian mountain music”. 30 June 22.30, Ancienne Belgique, Anspachlaan 110, Brussels
www.gracialive.be
Jean Van Hamme: Traveller Without Frontiers: The Brussels comic strip artist and inveterate wanderer presents a series of works about his heroes and their adventures. Until 29 November, Comic Strip Center, Zavelstraat 20, Brussels
www.comicscenter.net
AlbaNova: Second edition of the midsummer festival for musical heritage, featuring a Garden of Eden theme and a diverse range of intimate concerts inspired by music from 14th- and 15th-century Europe. 20 June 10.30-19.00, Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen (Limburg)
www.albanovafestival.com
Summer Movies: Coca-Cola sponsors this film event featuring 10 avant-premieres of the summer’s biggest blockbuster hits, including The Gunman, starring Sean Penn as a sniper on the run, Noah Baumbach’s new movie While We’re Young and action thriller Survivor. 26 June at Kinepolis cinemas across Flanders
www.summermovies.be
Monster Stock Sale : Annual sale of stock design furniture, lighting, art and other decor items, including showroom models and end-of-series pieces at heavily discounted prices. 27-28 June 9.00-18.30, Depot Verbiest Verhuizingen, Corneel Heymanstraat 12
www.design-oostende.be/tag/stockverkoop
First Choice Shopping: Free family-friendly market hosted by popular Ghent webshop Petit Bazaar, featuring women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories and more. 28 June 10.00-18.00, Dienstencentrum Gentbrugge, Braemkasteelstraat 29
www.facebook.com/petitbazaarsboetiek
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